Five year battle comes to an end as Quade Cooper finally granted citizenship

Wallabies stalwart Quade Cooper is finally an Australian citizen following a five-year battle with immigration authorities.

Auckland-born Cooper took to social media on Thursday to share the news and thank his supporters.

“After five years, five attempts, 75 Test matches and a lot of help from the community and many people behind the scenes, I can finally say I’m Australian,” the playmaker posted on Twitter following his official ceremony.

“To my immigration officer Sarah Lolesio thank (you) for your efforts and countless hours of work. Grateful.”

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 2

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 2

Now a dual citizen of Australia and New Zealand, Cooper cut a frustrated figure last July when he was denied for a fourth time for not meeting strict requirements while playing overseas in Japan.

Ceremony done and after 5 years 5 attempts 75 test matches and a lot of help from the community and many people behind the scenes I can finally say I’m Australian. To my immigration officer Sarah Lolesio thank for for your efforts and countless hours of work. 💚💛 #Grateful

— Quade Cooper (@QuadeCooper) February 24, 2022

Rules demanded applicants must have lived in Australia for the past four years and could not be absent for more than 12 months during that time.

The regulations also stated applicants could not be out of the country for more than 90 days during the year before applying.

“Awkward moment @ausgov refuse your citizenship applications (again)!” Cooper tweeted then.

“Wearing the green and gold 70 times apparently is not enough these days.”

But the Australian government changed eligibility rules late last year to ensure “distinguished applicants” could be eligible to become a citizen.

Cooper, 33, sat his Test in Tokyo, where he continues to dazzle for the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners, in December.

He moved to Australia when he was 13, debuted for the Wallabies in 2008 and was infamously branded New Zealand’s Public Enermy No.1 during the 2011 Rugby World Cup in his native country following an on-field run-in with All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

After being recalled to the Wallabies side last year, Cooper is now eyeing another World Cup in 2023 in France at age 35.